lifts and stairs Q

carbon nanotube

Hi guys,

Is there a law about a company needing a lift on a building with offices in the first floor?

unfortunately i fell down stairs last week and my ankle is damaged, hope its not too bad but seems my ligaments are torn.

it was my own fault i guess as i was holding items in both hands and was talking to someone going up the stairs and lost my footing, it was about 5/6 steps i fell down.

(don't recommend this to anyone!)

i have been told by my boss i can have up to 7 sick days, after that i need to get gp.

so far i have used up 5 sick days and will need more. I was due to go to Ireland for the weekend but had to cancel, i have holidays booked for next wed-fri and can change them to sick days.

anyway, is there any rule about a company and the use of lifts since my one has none, offices on first floor and on the ground floor a lab and kitchen, toilets etc.

thanks.

ps: my physio said its 3 months to heal this properly, i think i will ask for the whole of June off, i need a letter from physio to confirm this. no point going to work in my current state.

sambuka41

Are you asking if there is a law in relation to this as you intend to take a case against your employer? I don't think you'd get very far, everyone has a role to play in correct health and safety. You were the one who chose to carry items in both hands and not paying attention,as a result you fell.

I can't imagine there is a law about having a lift. The employer has to make the working environment safe, assuming they done that, then they are clear. Maybe you can ask them to let you work downstairs while your ankle heals?

carbon nanotube

well yes, that seems to be the case.

I was just wondering if there was a law regarding offices and lifts.

I can work downstairs id say, but i don't think i will be back at work this month, I am going to see a physio next week, I probably will get the rest of the month off. need this to heal properly as its nasty.

Recessionbust

Not sure there is a law but you as does your employer have a onus of responsibility to ensure you carry out your duties in a safe manner.
I not taking sides but if a handrail was provided yet not used then your in the wrong. However their is a legal obligation on a employer to contact the HSA were a accident results in a person been absent from work for more then 3 working days.

The HSA will then investigate and report their findings to the company which you are entitled to a copy of under the freedom of information act.

carbon nanotube

well my ankle is bad, i wont be working any time soon. have to put my health before my job.

unfortunate but this stuff happens, i am going to stay off work this week, next week is doubtful, will need a sick letter if thats the case as i will have used up my 7 sick days.

FrPhelimYoung

I don't see how people can express opinions regarding liability without knowing the full facts of the accident.

The employer is obliged to report the accident to the HSA. I wouldn't imagine the HSA will come out and investigate this incident.

From the employers perspective it's in their interest to manage the injured employee. That is look after their medical bills, maybe send them to a company doctor, appropriate time off and maybe a return to work performing light duties. From the employees side of things they should cooperate. If they feel that they've a case against the employer well then go seek the advice of a solicitor with the full facts of the accident.

Far too often the employer will stick their head in the sand and ignore the situation. That can lead to a long litigious process and the only winners ultimately are the legal eagles.

Employees / injured parties who are determined to go the legal route will ultimately get feck all in the grand scheme of things. I can't imagine going back to a workplace post court case etc...is much fun.

ballooba

OP seems to be working overseas. Mentions a planned trip to Ireland.

Nody

Only reason I could honestly see for a lift is an employee with a permanent disability but I'll admitt I've not spent much time on such issues previously.

Beano

carbon nanotube wrote: »

...I was due to go to Ireland for the weekend but had to cancel, i have holidays booked for next wed-fri and can change them to sick days.

Can we presume from that that you are not actually based in Ireland? Any information given here would be specific to Ireland as this is an irish board.

FrPhelimYoung

Nody wrote: »

Only reason I could honestly see for a lift is an employee with a permanent disability but I'll admitt I've not spent much time on such issues previously.

Yeah, can only assume for disability access.

Although she does mention a lab. Requirements for a lift for some aspect of the business would be based on risk assessment. Say for safe transportation of glassware, samples, solutions, chemicals, apparatus, deliveries etc....

As someone has already pointed out she doesn't seem to be working in this jurisdiction.

Wishbone Ash

I can't see how the employee could return to work without being fully fit. That would be the general rule with my employer.

donkey balls

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I can't see how the employee could return to work without being fully fit. That would be the general rule with my employer.

Depending on what the employees job entails the employer could have them working doing lite duties etc once the employee has a note from either the company doc or there own private doc.

Mr. Loverman

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie

Search Irish law...

mtjm

we've yet to find out where is he working, ie what country? also we've got very little information about the building he works in etc..

for example, I work in a very old building (build in 1800s) so it's a listed building and we can't do too much and we had a long battle to put a goods lift in (we've got 3 floors) and we use it as often as we needed, but not all places would have lifts, also if someone in Ireland get hurt and is out for more then 3 days HSE will be called and will investigate